Security+ vs CEH: Which Certification Should You Get First?

The Big Question

Two of the most popular cybersecurity certifications, CompTIA Security+ and EC-Council CEH, serve very different purposes. Choosing the wrong one first can cost you months and thousands of dollars.

Here's an honest comparison to help you decide.

Security+ at a Glance

Security+ covers everything: threats, architecture, implementation, operations, and governance. It's vendor-neutral and widely accepted across industries, especially government (DoD 8570/8140).

CEH v13 at a Glance

CEH focuses specifically on offensive techniques: reconnaissance, scanning, exploitation, and post-exploitation. Version 13 adds AI-powered attack methodologies.

When to Choose Security+ First

• You're new to cybersecurity or IT
• You want a broad foundation before specializing
• You're targeting government or military roles
• Budget is a concern ($404 vs $1,199+)
• You want the widest possible job market

When to Choose CEH First

• You already have IT/networking experience (Network+, CCNA)
• You specifically want penetration testing roles
• Your employer is sponsoring the training
• You learn better with hands-on hacking concepts
• You're targeting consulting or red team positions

Our Recommendation

For most people: Security+ first.

Security+ gives you the vocabulary, concepts, and framework that make CEH much easier to study. Understanding defense makes you a better attacker. Understanding threats makes you a better defender.

The ideal path: Security+ → CEH → OSCP

Practice Both on CyberCertPrep

We have comprehensive question banks for both Security+ (SY0-701) and CEH v13. Try 20 free questions for each to see which material resonates with you.